Joybuy Insights

Choosing dry cat food: how to compare cat biscuits without making the wrong purchase

A bag of dry cat food may seem straightforward to choose. Yet many cat owners in the Netherlands face the same problems: their cat refuses the new biscuits, the packaging is large but the recipe is not suitable for its life stage, or a prominent claim says little about the overall nutritional value. By checking the right details, you can compare food for adult cats, kitten food and varieties with chicken, salmon or fish much more effectively.

Common pitfalls when choosing dry cat food

1. A flavour name does not always mean what you think

“with salmon” or “with chicken” does not automatically mean that this ingredient is the main component. According to the product information for Iams Naturally Adult Cat Dry Food Salmon & Rice, for example, the recipe consists mainly of dried chicken and turkey, with 4.1% salmon and 4.1% rice. Always check the full ingredients list and the order in which the ingredients are listed.

Cat food containing fish may also include several animal sources. This is important if your cat has a preference or you want to avoid certain ingredients.

2. A large bag is not always better value

10 kg of cat food can be practical for a multi-cat household or a cat that eats a lot every day. For one cat, however, the bag may remain open for a long time. The aroma and crunch may deteriorate as a result, especially if the packaging is not sealed properly.

A 300 g pack of cat food is useful for trying a recipe first. 800 g or 1.5 kg of cat food is often a practical compromise. A 3 kg pack is better suited to regular use, provided you store the food in an airtight container.

3. “Grain-free” is not an automatic guarantee of quality

Grain-free cat food may suit a specific preference or dietary choice, but on its own it says nothing about the product’s complete nutritional value. Rather than focusing only on the front of the pack, check whether the product is labelled as complete food for the appropriate life stage. According to the product description, Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb is a complete grain-free food containing quinoa and ingredients such as lamb, herring meal and peas.

Three checks to make before buying cat biscuits

1. Check the life stage and suitability

Kittens have different nutritional needs from adult cats. Choose kitten food for kittens and adult cat food for cats from the age stated on the packaging. The Iams and Farmina kitten products state that they are intended for growth; adult varieties are generally labelled “adult” or “1+”.

Also look for the legally required designation, such as “complete food for cats” or “complete food for kittens”. In practice, “complete and balanced cat food” means that, according to the packaging, the product is intended to provide a complete daily diet. You should also follow the manufacturer’s feeding guide.

2. Compare analytical constituents, not just marketing claims

The analytical constituents table provides verifiable information about, among other things:

  • Crude protein: useful when comparing protein levels.
  • Fat content: important for energy density.
  • Crude fibre: provides information about the fibre content.
  • Crude ash: an analytical indication of mineral constituents.
  • Moisture content: dry food generally contains little moisture; fresh drinking water must always be available.

For example, the product information for Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 1.5 kg lists 36% crude protein, 20% fat, 2% crude fibre, 8% crude ash and 10% moisture. Perfect Fit Adult Cat Food Salmon 1+ lists 34% crude protein, 14.5% fat, 3% crude fibre and 8.5% crude ash. Only compare figures like these within a similar product category and life stage.

3. Consider portions, storage and the changeover

The recommended amount varies according to weight, activity level and product. It is best to change foods gradually over approximately seven days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new cat biscuits into the familiar food, then increase the proportion step by step.

Store dry cat food in a cool, dry place, seal the packaging properly and, when using a large bag, preferably transfer the food to a separate airtight storage container. Always provide fresh drinking water. If your cat has dietary problems, a noticeable change in appetite or a known medical condition, it is advisable to consult a vet; dietary advice is not a substitute for medical assessment.

Our recommendations for different types of cat owners

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Perfect Fit Adult Cat Food Salmon 1+ Dry Food

Perfect Fit Adult Cat Food Salmon 1+ Dry Food

Why it suits this profile: This dry food is intended for adult cats and comes in a salmon flavour variant. The product information lists 34% crude protein and no added artificial colourings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The variety and life stage are clearly stated. However, check the full recipe: in addition to 14% salmon, the product contains ingredients including dried poultry protein, wheat and maize.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete dry food for adult cats; feeding guidance for cats weighing 3, 4 and 5 kg is provided in the product information.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 1.5 kg

Farmina N&D Quinoa Cat Digestion Lamb 1.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: The recipe is aimed at buyers who want to avoid grains and place great value on a detailed ingredients and analysis table.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states grain-free, quinoa and complete food. If your cat has sensitivities, still check all the ingredients and introduce the new food gradually.

Key benefit & advantages

36% crude protein, 20% fat and 10% moisture according to the product data; available in a 1.5 kg size.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 5 kg

Farmina N&D Ocean Kitten Cod 5 kg

Why it suits this profile: This kitten food is intended for kittens and features cod as a prominent animal protein source. The large size is suitable for intensive use or households with several kittens.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The life stage is stated as complete food for kittens. The product information also recommends a transition period of at least seven days.

Key benefit & advantages

According to the product information, the food contains 36% crude protein, 20% fat, 0.70% DHA and 0.40% EPA; the recipe is grain-free.

Suitable for: Households that buy in bulk
Iams adult cat food with chicken 10 kg

Iams adult cat food with chicken 10 kg

Why it suits this profile: The 10 kg pack is practical when you feed several adult cats or already know and regularly use a particular variety.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Combining the large size with an airtight storage container limits prolonged exposure to air. Only buy this size once your cat accepts the recipe.

Key benefit & advantages

Complete dry food for adult cats; the product description lists chicken and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about dry cat food

How long can you keep an opened bag of dry cat food?

This varies by brand and packaging. Seal the bag properly after each use and store the food in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check the best-before information on the packaging. For Iams Naturally, one variant states that the packaging should be resealed securely after opening and used within six weeks.

Is dry food enough for a cat?

A product sold as complete food for the appropriate life stage is intended, according to its product designation, to provide a complete diet. Always ensure that fresh drinking water is available. Some brands, such as Perfect Fit, recommend combining dry and wet food according to their product information. Follow the specific feeding guidelines on the packaging.

How do you switch to a different cat food?

Gradually mix the new dry cat food into the old food over approximately seven days. Start with a small amount and increase it once your cat is accepting the food well. Monitor your cat’s weight, appetite and stools. This helps prevent you from having to throw away a large bag of cat biscuits unnecessarily because of a changeover that was too quick.